Dear Dads,

This isn’t to one particular dad, but rather all of them. Thank y’all. Some of your rascal children may have forgotten your holiday, but I didn’t. Happy Father’s Day! Y’all made it another year. Congratulations. Let’s remember the real reason for this holiday though, those firstborns who made you all fathers. Like me. I’m my parent’s pride and joy, I consider myself the reason they had a second. I was so good that they tried for another me. I won’t say if they succeeded or failed for another one, so I’ll leave it out to the jury. (Y’all are the jury and let me just say Abbigale and I are night and day!)

Now, for the important men in my family — my dad, uncle, and grandpa: HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! I love y’all endlessly. Y’all are the greatest guys on Earth Now, let’s get down to business. I was the first child to my daddy, but I was also the first grandbaby and niece. This means that everybody below me is an attempt to replicate me. So, grandma, you’re welcome. I am the reason there are four grandkids! Yay! Go team. Rereading this, I sound cocky, but I’m really not. I’m just messing around *wink*. I’d never actually believe that this is the truth *wink, wink*. But really, I am blessed to be in a family with three great father figures to be able to look up to.

To my daddy, I love you. I love that your birthday is easy to remember. I love that you push me. I love that you always encouraged me to pursue the best version of myself. I’m still working on it, but hopefully we get there soon. Thank you for being a good example. Thank you for sharing your sense of humor with me. I never got the chance to meet your dad (that I remember), but I’m grateful that he helped make you. I’m sure I would’ve been his favorite first grandchild too.

To my grandpa, I love you. I love that you come to all of my games that you can possibly make, and I love that you’re always my biggest supporter. You’d always go to bat for me, no matter what. You’d get kicked out of stadiums for me, and that means the world to me. Thanks for letting me watch Young Sheldon with you. I’m almost done with all of the seasons. You don’t have to tell me anytime soon, but I know I’m your favorite grandchild too.

To Uncle Chris, thanks for sharing Brody and Brock with me. You did an amazing job raising them. Me and you are a lot alike. You were the firstborn too; you were so good that they tried for a couple more of you. I’m not sure if you’re the favorite grandkid or not, but I can imagine that you're one of them. Go us! We’re the ring leaders of this family. We were the firsts, the test dummies, but they did right nice. We turned out Okay, I reckon.

PSA TO ALL THE KIDS: BE NICE TO YOUR DADS AND MOMS AND GRANDPARENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS! THEY BECOME YOUR BEST FRIENDS OVER TIME. (THEY ALSO GIVE YOU MONEY!)

Back on my heartfelt letter to dads everywhere, you are very loved. Even if it isn’t always expressed, you truly are the glue that holds us kids together.

P.S. Don’t tell your wives I said that.

P.S.S. If you’re the wife reading this to your husband, I really think y’all hold us kids together, but it’s his holiday. Let him have this one. He earned it. He probably pays for the subscription to the paper, and you’d hate to lose my article, so be nice.

Dear Dads, keep it up. I believe in y’all. No matter how difficult your kids get, remember, they grow out of it eventually. I know I grew out of my shy phase, so have fun with that one while you can. Life is short, make it sweet.

Happy Dad’s Day to all the good, old men out there. (Yes, if you have a child and you’re in your 20s you still get called old… You have a kid, I know you have gray hairs.)